Preparing individuals from underrepresented communities for technical careers
Organized by the ASWF Diversity & Inclusion Working Group, the Summer Learning Program provides practical skills and mentorship to members of underrepresented communities who are looking to explore technical careers in animation and visual effects (e.g. R&D Engineer, Pipeline Technical Director, Color Scientist). The program is completely online/remote and includes self-guided online lessons and group sessions with guest speakers.
Participants are also matched with an industry professional for one-on-one mentorship. Past mentors have included professionals from DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic, Netflix, Amazon Web Services, Pixar and Autodesk.
SLP graduates have gone on to pursue technical careers at DreamWorks, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Epic Games, Jellyfish Animation, Microsoft, AWS, Technicolor Creative Studios, and more.
The 2025 Summer Learning Program will run from June 1 – July 31, 2025 and is available to those that identify as an underrepresented gender in the Visual Effects (VFX) or 3D Animation industry. Some examples of underrepresented genders include those who identify as a woman, nonbinary, transgender, and/or gender fluid.
The deadline to apply for the 2025 Summer Learning Program is April 11, 2025. Applicants will be informed of final decisions by May 14, 2025.
If your organization or school is interested in working with us, please contact us to explore opportunities.